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Austin Energy
Customer Energy Solutions
4815 Mueller Blvd.
Austin, TX 78723-3573
512-482-5346
512-972-8350
When you save energy as a Power Partner, you help the community, too.
The voluntary Power Partner program gives you direct savings for each smart thermostat you enroll. Your participation also helps Austin Energy manage community energy use when demand is highest on the hottest summer days.
Already Have a Smart Thermostat?
Earn a $50 bill credit for each eligible thermostat you enroll in the Power Partner program, plus $25 annually for each thermostat that remains enrolled. For example, if you enroll your thermostat in June 2023, you will receive your $25 annual incentive between June and July 2024. As a Power Partner participant, you agree to let Austin Energy adjust your thermostat on high energy use days.
Thinking of Buying a Smart Thermostat?
As an Austin Energy customer, you can earn a $30 rebate for each new eligible smart thermostat installed at your home or business. You can also earn a $50 bill credit for each thermostat you enroll in Power Partner plus an additional $25 annually for each thermostat that remains enrolled in the program.
Who Can Join Power Partner?
Commercial and residential customers (both homeowners and renters) can enroll in Power Partner with an eligible smart thermostat.
Enroll in the Power Partner program
What Is the Power Partner Program?
Customers who choose to enroll in the Power Partner program earn bill credits for enrolled thermostats. The Power Partner program helps Austin Energy manage community energy use via Power Partner events that occur on days when electricity is in high demand or when there is an emergency.
During a Power Partner event, Austin Energy adjusts the temperature setting on thousands of thermostats across the city, thanks to volunteer Power Partner customers. Temporary thermostat adjustments between 2 and 4 degrees can help you save money and maintain comfort at home as you join other customers in reducing community energy use and costs.
This group effort increases power grid reliability during hot summer days when community-wide energy use is highest.
What Happens During a Power Partner Event?
During a Power Partner event, Austin Energy will adjust the temperature setting by 2 to 4 degrees to help manage high energy use throughout the community.
Most Power Partner community energy events will:
- Occur for two hours between 3:00–6:00 p.m. during the summer (June 1–Sept. 30). During extreme weather circumstances, Austin Energy may conduct events outside of these windows.
- Adjust your thermostat by 2 to 4 degrees, which may include pre-cooling or pre-heating prior to an event to help prolong your initial comfort level. Pre-cooling and pre-heating adjusts your existing thermostat setting by 2 degrees, up to 30 minutes beforehand.
- Occur on non-holiday weekdays. During extreme weather circumstances, Austin Energy may conduct events on holidays and weekends.
- Occur no more than three times per week and no more than 25 times a year. During extreme weather circumstances, Austin Energy may conduct events up to five times per week.
You can override Power Partner events at any time by simply adjusting the temperature at your thermostat or on the thermostat app.
Austin Energy appreciates customers who join us in this effort to meet community energy demand while helping keep energy costs low!
How Will I Know a Power Partner Event is Starting?
A message will appear in your thermostat app and on the thermostat display itself. You may also notice your HVAC system running just before Austin Energy begins a Power Partner event. This pre-cooling allows you to remain more comfortable during the event period and allows Austin Energy to maximize community results.
Can I Override a Power Partner Event?
Yes. You can override any event by adjusting the temperature at your thermostat or on the thermostat app. However, turning on a nearby fan can help you feel cooler while keeping your thermostat at the Power Partner event setting.
How Can I Permanently Opt Out of the Power Partner Program?
Customers who wish to permanently discontinue their participation in Power Partner events may do so by submitting a Power Partner Opt-Out request.
How Can I Monitor My Ongoing Energy Use?
Check your energy usage regularly to avoid surprises on your energy bill. You can view your electric usage anywhere you have internet access simply by logging in to Online Customer Care. You can compare your usage to the previous month or year or to similar homes in your neighborhood. You can also set alerts for higher billing tiers and receive customized energy savings tips.
For an even deeper dive into your usage, including solar panel production info, access the Austin Energy Web App.
How Else Can I Save Money on My Electric Bills?
You may qualify for other rebates and incentives to help pay for energy-efficient cooling and heating upgrades.
Learn More
Date last reviewed or modified: 06/01/2023